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Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on the informal sector workers in Bangladesh

Author

Listed:
  • Nahrin Rahman Swarna
  • Iffat Anjum
  • Nimmi Nusrat Hamid
  • Golam Ahmed Rabbi
  • Tariqul Islam
  • Ezzat Tanzila Evana
  • Nazia Islam
  • Md Israt Rayhan
  • KAM Morshed
  • Abu Said Md Juel Miah

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic put dents on every sector of the affected countries, and the informal sector was no exception. This study is based on the quantitative analyses of the primary data of 1,867 informal workers of Bangladesh to shed light on the impact of the pandemic-induced economic crisis on this working class. The survey was conducted between 8 July and 13 August 2020 across the eight administrative divisions of the country. Analysis points out that about ninety percent of these workers faced an income and food expenditure drop during the lockdown. The effect was higher in males, particularly among the urban-centric and educated males engaged in services and sales. The findings suggest that policy support is needed for the informal workers to face such a crisis.

Suggested Citation

  • Nahrin Rahman Swarna & Iffat Anjum & Nimmi Nusrat Hamid & Golam Ahmed Rabbi & Tariqul Islam & Ezzat Tanzila Evana & Nazia Islam & Md Israt Rayhan & KAM Morshed & Abu Said Md Juel Miah, 2022. "Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on the informal sector workers in Bangladesh," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(3), pages 1-20, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0266014
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266014
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mustafizur Rahman & Khondaker Golam Moazzem & Syed Saifuddin Hossain, 2009. "Impact of the Global Economic Crisis on the Employment and Labour Market of Bangladesh A Preliminary Assessment," Labor Economics Working Papers 22303, East Asian Bureau of Economic Research.
    2. Rajneesh Narula, 0. "Policy opportunities and challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic for economies with large informal sectors," Journal of International Business Policy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 0, pages 1-9.
    3. Mashura Shammi & Md. Bodrud-Doza & Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul Islam & Md. Mostafizur Rahman, 2021. "Strategic assessment of COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh: comparative lockdown scenario analysis, public perception, and management for sustainability," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(4), pages 6148-6191, April.
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    5. Rajneesh Narula, 2020. "Policy opportunities and challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic for economies with large informal sectors," Journal of International Business Policy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 3(3), pages 302-310, September.
    6. Mohammad Imran Hossain, 2021. "COVID-19 Impacts on Employment and Livelihood of Marginal People in Bangladesh: Lessons Learned and Way Forward," South Asian Survey, , vol. 28(1), pages 57-71, March.
    7. Dang, Hai-Anh H. & Viet Nguyen, Cuong, 2021. "Gender inequality during the COVID-19 pandemic: Income, expenditure, savings, and job loss," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 140(C).
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